The folks at Ontario Ancestors are hosting seven virtual presentations and one virtual drop-in this week, with topics ranging from Irish research and British Home Children to FamilySearch’s Full Text Search and must-have genealogy research skills. All are open and free to the public, with the exception of one presentation that requires a modest fee for non-members.
The following times are in EDT.
Monday, March 10, 7:00 p.m. — Oxford County Branch
The Devon Elliotts: The Stories of Those Who Came, Those Who Stayed and Those Who Left by Glenn Elliott
Glenn Elliott will talk about writing the Elliott family history, an eye-opening road to discovery of the exciting, tragic, humbling, humorous stories of his extended family and those who preceded them. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. — Essex County Branch
A Peek into the Resources at Museum Windsor by Heather Colautti
Heather Colautti will explain the Museum Windsor organization as it exists right now and will discuss what the museum houses in their collections and what resources would be of interest to researchers. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. — Lambton County Branch
Using the Full Text Search feature on FamilySearch Labs by Jane Teskey
The Full Text Search in FamilySearch Labs is an experimental feature for the public to try. Jane will take you through, step by step, on how to use this feature to find records and save those records to your tree. Register to watch online.
Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 p.m. — Irish Special Interest Group
Beginner’s Irish Genealogy Research by Ken McKinlay
As anyone who has had the opportunity to research their ancestors who came from Ireland can well attest to, it can be a challenge. It isn’t just the missing records that can make it difficult, but also the partition of the island into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In this presentation, we go back to the basics. We look at a bit of the history that has created some of these challenges, some of the key sites that hold the records, and a few tips to possibly help us over our Irish genealogy brick walls. Register to watch online.
Thursday, March 13, 1:00 p.m. — Irish Special interest Group
Virtual Drop-in to the Cobourg Public Library
Join us as we virtually visit the Cobourg Public Library to learn about their Irish collections and to chat with the librarian about Irish settlers in the Cobourg area. Register to join the drop-in.
Thursday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. — Ontario Ancestors
Researching Women Series — Three Sisters From Kensington & Chelsea Union by Gloria Tubman
It all started with the three Bond sisters of unknown parentage being sent to Canada from the Kensington & Chelsea Union, England. In 1909, two of the sisters had their first placement as Home Children in households in Renfrew county. For those who have struggled with the complex of world of researching Home Children, the process can feel frustrating and overwhelming.
In this talk, Gloria will lead us through resources found at Library & Archives Canada which ultimately led to Kensington & Chelsea, England and family connections. In addition to the usual records used to research ancestors in England, she will take a special look at the Poor Law records. Attendees will see how these research efforts resulted in a case study on Home Children and culminated in the creation of an ancestral family tree while offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of Home Children, their descendants, and their ancestors.
This three-session series is free for Ontario Ancestors members. The fee for non-members is $25 for the series or $10 for an individual session. To see the full series and to register, visit: https://ogs.on.ca/researching-women-series/
Friday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. — Kent County Branch
The Dresden Cave-In by Eric Philpott
In 1957, tragedy consumed the town of Dresden when a construction project went terribly wrong. Join us to learn about the cave-in, the families whose lives were changed forever, and the efforts being taken to document the event. Register to watch online.
Saturday, March 15, 10:00 a.m. — Kingston Branch
10 Must-Haves for Genealogy & Family History Success by Thomas MacEntee
Is there a right way to do genealogy? Whether you are a beginner or an “obsessed” family researcher, there are basic skills that family historians at all levels have in common. Ten must-haves: sense of purpose, communication skills, writing skills, genealogy research toolbox, organization skills, evidence evaluation skills, source citation skills, tech skills, sense of fun, and a sense of legacy. Our speaker will review those skills that can help you find success whether researching online or in person. Register to watch online.
